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Five Things to Consider When Buying a Used Car

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Purchasing a car, whether new or used, is a big investment and we want to make sure we are getting a great vehicle and a great deal, so here are five things to consider when buying a used car.

1.Learn about manufacturers

One of the best ways to start a search for a vehicle is to look at reliable manufacturers and vehicles. One of the best resources for this is Kelly Blue Book, which can, not only give you valuable advice on the reliability of certain makes and models, but also their value (which leads us to #2).

2. Cost

Cost is usually a big factor in deciding what car to get. The cost of a vehicle isn’t just determined by the sticker price, but also by the potential maintenance that you would put into the vehicle. There are a couple ways to make sure the costs of maintenance are kept low. The first is taking the vehicle to a trusted mechanic to make sure everything is running the way that it should be, while the second is protecting your vehicle with warranties on anything that might malfunction or even a maintenance warranty.

3. Wants & Needs

Finally, you’ll want to consider the wants and needs that can determine the size and type of vehicle that you might choose. If you have a larger family or you love to travel a lot, a larger vehicle like an SUV might be wanted. At the same time, if you need something that can handle construction materials, a full-size truck might be more appropriate, or if you need a vehicle that is more focused on fuel economy than size or hauling, a car either compact or sedan type may be more appropriate.

4. The Car’s History

Once you’ve picked out your car, it’s important to run a report, like a CARFAX report, on any vehicle you are considering buying. Most dealerships provide you with one at no charge. A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) should be listed in any advertisement for a vehicle, and many times a link to the CARFAX report can be found when viewing a car on a dealership’s website. This number is important in running a history report. If you have any problem getting the VIN number from the car’s owner, walk away, it’s definitely a red flag. AutoTrader.com and cars.com provide a free car history report from CARFAX for any cars listed for sale on their site. In addition, Auto Check, which is recommended by carbuyingtips.com, offers an unlimited report package that allows you to check by VIN number or by U.S. license plate. You should also have your own mechanic check the vehicle for any problems or potential problems before you seal the deal.

5. How It Feels

Finally, always test drive the vehicle before purchasing. Promechanics.com has this great advice – ask the dealer to let you drive on a variety of roads – highway, side streets and even areas where cornering or turning is necessary so that you can get an accurate feel of how the car handles.

Used Cars

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